Scratch Night has returned to The Garage with a flourish! But what exactly is a Scratch Night? Creative Director, Mark talks us through the process.
Scratch Night is a vital first step in the creation of bold new live performance work. Theatre, music, dance, movement, spoken word – anything you might experience in a small-scale auditorium can begin here.
Ten years ago, I performed at The Garage’s very first Scratch Night. That opportunity led to my first Arts Council funded development period, years of artistic growth, national touring, and eventually – in a wonderfully roundabout way – to the role I now hold at The Garage. To say I’m a fan of Scratch Nights, and supporting regional artists, would be an understatement.
In March, we welcomed four live performance artists. David, a singer-songwriter, and Jules, a drag artist, both wanted to challenge their practice by creating their first theatre pieces. We worked with Man Alive – a theatre company exploring male friendship – as they adapted work for the first time. And Fiona, a local writer, explored a potential revival of her debut 1990s London theatre hit.
Each artist spent time in our studios testing ideas and collaborating with new creatives. Scratch Night itself gives artists the chance to share these ideas with a live audience in a safe, supportive environment. It’s also an informal way to connect with local creatives and gather valuable feedback that shapes future development.
“I found the Scratch Night at The Garage a great opportunity to grow my network. The team provided a welcoming, safe space to set up and showcase my VR project. They listened to my needs and offered help at every stage. It was hugely affirming to hear I had been selected.”
Our next Scratch Night takes place on Friday 10 July, and we’re encouraging regionally-based artists to apply to take part. We’re looking for bold, visual performance ideas and artists eager to push beyond their creative limits. Equally, we’re looking for audiences who want to support the creation of new work and contribute to the development process.